Bulbs for Texas

This is an interesting website that I recently chanced upon:
http://www.tejasnativebulbs.com/. It's an enterprise in it's infancy, I haven't
dealt with them so cannot vouch for their product or service, but I find
the intent very appealing. Some of the offerings are not specific only
to Texas, but many are.
Other bulbs, corms, rhizomes that adapt well to our growing conditions
include: hymenocallis, lycoris (esp. radiata and squamigera),
rainlillies(of course), many of the crinums (asiaticum, powellii, and
others naturalize), and agapanthus. Irises, both bearded and Dutch
easily thrive with little attention. Tender crested irises (I. japonica
, confusa, tectorum) perform well with only a little attention. The
neomaricas are surprisingly tough, provided enough water, shade , and
proper Ph. Cypella coelestris is currently blooming in my crested iris
bed--given the same amount of attention (fitered light, heavily
composted soil with periodic infusions of soil sulfur, weekly deep
watering).
The biggest challenge to gardening in Texas is the ferocious summer
heat. Forty-plus days of temperatures above 100F have been typical,
especially in the past decade. This is not like desert heat, where
nights cool a bit. During heat spells our night temperatures lower to
the eighties. sometimes only to the mid- or upper eighties. Long
drought (any time of year) is also typical. For example, until last
week, the only significant rain in my immediate area since Feb. 20 was
1/2" about mid-May. Last Wednesday/Thursday, we got 2 1/2 " of blessed
relief. Spring and Fall are our best growing seasons, although mild
winters are great for calla lilies and early narcissus bloom in November
and December. Crinum Hannibal's Dwarf and Elsie also bloom in
December/January if we've not had hard freezes.
Theresa Massey
Austin TX
Z9 (formerly Z8b)